It’s a great night when I can get to sleep without sleep meds. I go through long periods when I’m fine and then I have nights where I simply won’t sleep unless I take my Ativan. It’s not that I don’t want to sleep- and it’s not that I’m manic. I just won’t sleep. I just lie there. Then I start the brain tug of war:
Brain #1 Julie, you really should be able to just go to sleep on your own. Other people don’t need meds to sleep. You will be too tired in the morning if you take the Ativan. Just keep trying to get to sleep on your own! Just put on some calm music. Smell some lavender!
Brain #2 Julie, this is not a joke. You have bipolar disorder and that means you have sleep problems. TAKE YOUR MEDS! It’s not like you’re drinking wine or smoking pot to sleep. These are MEDICATIONS! You have never taken more medications than needed in your life. Why do you always have to make this so difficult? It’s 2AM. Stop trying to talk yourself out of it and take your meds!
I can tell tonight is one of these nights. I will probably get in bed and listen to something calming and then still be wide awake. But I know myself. I have to at least give myself a chance to fall asleep on my own. I did all I am supposed to do for a good night’s sleep. I got home early from karaoke. I [... Read More ...]
Sorry guys, I am going to be a broken record for a few days about my travels and how they affect bipolar disorder. I’m on the East Coast and wow, I have had sleep problems. Last night I stayed up late (midnight) to watch the football playoffs and when I finally got to bed I had visions of Payton Manning (quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts) throwing the ball all night. Then I heard words from the game and words from the conversations with my friends. I really love being with people, but I easily get overstimulated. It’s not good for me.
This brain chatter is like having a train go through my head. It just won’t turn off. I have a section in my book Get it Done When You’re Depressed called Expect Brain Chatter. I just read that strategy again. It’s true- the running commentary in your head that keeps going even when you’re sleeping can be very stressful and tiring!
Eventually, at 2:30 I just took some of my Ativan (Lorazepam) in order to sleep. I am lucky it works well for me at a very small dose. I can get to sleep on 1mg or even .5 if I’m already a bit tired. I don’t know why I just don’t take it from the beginning. It’s like I feel I have to get to sleep on my own in order to prove something. This has always been a struggle. I just need to take the darn stuff.
I am worried about these sleep problems, [... Read More ...]
Well, nine hours of sleep is so amazing for me I actually woke up and wanted to do a little jig. I’m what I call an undersleeper. I was actually talking with my friend Kristin yesterday- she’s the author of Bipolar and Pregnant, and we spent a long time talking about bipolar disorder and sleep. Here are all the ways it affected our sleep:
#1. Issues due to meds. Kristin talked about Topamax. She has no idea if it affects sleep- but she’s pretty sure it affects memory. Kristin uses Lunesta to sleep.
#2. When I’m depressed, I have agitated sleep which means my brain doesn’t shut down at night. Bother! I use Ativan to sleep when it gets bad.
#3. Of course, mania is the biggest problem. I rapid cycle almost daily, so on the nights I can actually fall asleep normally and get 7-8 hours of rest is pretty great!
#4 . Excessive tiredness from medications- especially some anti depressants. Whew, I used to get so tired my lips got numb and I slept 14 hours a day. No kidding!
Many people in this industry say that regulating sleep is the #1 way to manage the illness. How is your sleep? I need to write a book on the topic!
The buzz word these days is ’sleep hygeine” I am not even sure how to spell the word! Ah, here it is: hygiene!
Julie
Sleep is the Key
A friend of mine who writes books on bipolar said, “The main way to manage bipolar disorder is to manage your …. sleep.”
He’s totally right. I talk about this in my book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder. It’s a huge component of a successful management plan.
Sleep is also an excellent mood indicator.
I know that I’m doing pretty well right now as I can sleep at night without Ativan. When I get sick, I have to use small amounts of Ativan to fall asleep. I monitor it carefully so that it doesn’t build up in my system and make me tired during the day.
Three questions:
It’s Thursday- how was your sleep on M T and W? What does it tell you about your moods?”
Are your meds affecting your sleep? If so, what needs to change?
How many hours do you realistically need a night to wake up refreshed? What does it take to get those hours?
Julie
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